Women’s Tennis Splits at Midwest Regionals

Michigan State women’s tennis served a split victory at the Midwest Regionals at the Atkins Tennis Center in Champaign, Illinois.

The first day of the Midwest Regionals proved victorious as MSU women’s tennis won both of their first round matches and one second round match.

Starting the team off strong, MSU junior Emily Meyers defeated Wisconsin’s Kelsey Gambreau 7-6 (2), 6-2. Following the victory, Meyers lost in a tight match against Bradley freshman Alexa Brandt 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (5).

Winner of two matches, MSU freshman Lexi Baylis defeated Cleveland State’s Mathilde Orange, 6-4, 6-0. Finishing the day strong, Baylis conquered Illinois State junior Kadi Ilves, 6-1, 6-2. Baylis moved on in the next round of the tournament to face Ani Gogvadze of Eastern Michigan.

In the second round, MSU sophomore Athena Trouillot lost to Illinois’ Madie Baillon, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.

Michigan State senior Catherine Parenteau fell to Illinois’ Jerricka Boone, 2-6, 7-5, 6-2.

The second day of Midwest Regionals, Friday, the third round of the single qualifier draw began, followed by doubles in the afternoon. Michigan State women’s tennis achieved a total of three victories on day two, representing three teams in the main singles draw, and one team in the main doubles draw.

Starting the day with a victory, Baylis defeated Gogvadze, 6-3, 6-0. The win advanced Baylis to qualify for the main singles draw.

MSU sophomores Erin Faulkner and Trouillot started the doubles with a first round bye. The duo defeated Illinois State’s Ilves and Chanel Scudiero in the second round, 8-4. Faulkner advanced to face DePaul’s Rebeca Mitrea in the singles draw, and the pair advanced to take on Notre Dame’s Quinn Gleason and Monica Robinson.

Michigan State’s Parenteau and Chua doubled up to defeat Bradley’s Alexa Brandt and Ashley Thai, 8-4. The pair fell to Michigan’s Emina Bektas and Alex Najaran, 8-2. Chua continued in the tournament to face Notre Dame’s Mary Closs in singles.

Duo juniors Meyers and Baylis lost to Illinois’ Grace Tapak and Baillon, 8-4.

The third and final day of the Midwest Regionals left the Michigan State Spartans with a split.

The day started with Baylis winning against Marquette’s Ana Pimienta, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4. Following, Baylis fell to Michigan’s Bektas, 6-1, 6-2. Baylis completed the tournament with a 4-1 record.

Falling to DePaul’s Mitrea, 6-1, 5-7, 6-4, Faulkner was then paired with Trouillot. The duo fell to Notre Dame’s Gleason and Robinson, 8-6.

The day ended with freshmen Aslina Chua’s loss against Notre Dame’s Mary Closs in singles play, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.

The Spartans host Oakland and Eastern Michigan Jan. 18.


Maria Braganini is a multimedia journalist for Impact Sports.

Photo: Hannah McEnroe/Impact Sports